Anna Bailey's first blog!

Let me introduce myself, I'm Anna Bailey and I'm based in Tidebrook which is between Wadhurst and Mayfield in East Sussex. I teach, break and school horses as well as event my own horses and a few for owners throughout the season.

For me, riding was inevitable as my mum always had horses and my Stepfather was a Master of the New Forest Fox Hounds. Hunting as a child was a great way to learn to be gutsy and, most importantly, stay on!

Having joined the New Forest Pony Club at a very early age, I took part in most activities. It was here I developed an interest in show jumping after taking part in unaffiliated shows then progressing to International JA level with 148cm ponies. After finishing on ponies I went to Bedgebury School to study A levels and completed my BHSAI.

Teaching has become a huge part of my every day life and I train all levels from beginners to competition riders. For me the most satisfying part of teaching is seeing the riders improve. I am currently working towards becoming a BE Accredited trainer, something I am very excited about.

I switched to Eventing in 2004 with a horse I was show jumping. I fancied a change and have never looked back. In fact last year I produced two of my own horses up to Novice level with the aim of competing in a CIC* in the summer and hopefully a CIC** by the end of the season.

The horse in the picture had never seen a cross country fence until last summer. He had show jumped in Holland and did not understand the concept of dressage but he is so brave and tries so hard I had to give him a chance! His first event was at Stratford Hills last June and after a very tense dressage test, but staying in the arena, he went on to have just one down in the show jumping and then cleared every fence on the cross country like it was a Grand National hedge! And I wondered why I got time faults!

We had a mixed season but he showed improvement in all three phases as the year went on. He finished this season with the 1* at South Of England. There's still plenty of room for improvement so watch this space. Next season I hope to run him in a few more 1*s before trying a 2* at the end of the summer.

I have a lovely four year old who will make his eventing debut next summer. He looks just like Timmy but a slightly bigger frame – lets hope I get the right one out of the field for the 2*!! I will keep you updated with his progress.

I am also very lucky to be competing a few horses for Johanna Hedberg at Angley Stud. Cairo Z is a 5 year old stunning warmblood who after a winter of show jumping and dressage will make his eventing debut in March. I will keep you posted on the other horses when they are back in work!

Until next time
Anna

Things happen in three's - Jo Barry's latest blog instalment

Things happen in 3's, so I hope I have now had my three bad journeys!? The first was the burst tyre on the way home from Gloucestershire. The second was on the way home from Coventry on Wednesday. I was down in Coventry to receive my share of the Pat Smallwood Award at the BHS Convention. This is the last year that it is to be awarded and I feel very lucky to be one of the recipients. As a winner I received a cheque that is to be used to further my own training and knowledge to in turn pass on to my pupils..I am looking forward to making the most of this money. The journey home was slow due to the bad weather but was made worse when there was a bad accident on the M74 and the motorway had to be closed..the only option was to sit and wait for it to reopen. The journey ended up being 2hrs longer than on the way down.

On Thursday afternoon I headed up to Invergordon, near Inverness. I had an evenings teaching booked, followed by a full day on Friday. I take the train up for ease of travel and it is actually more cost efficient too. I had a two part journey with a connection at Perth. The first train was running late due to the heavy rain and flooding and I arrived in Perth 10 minutes after my onwards connection had left. The option given was to wait 2hrs and get the next train but if I did that I would not have been able to give any lessons that night. If I rushed through town (Challenge Anneka style!?) to the bus station I could get a bus and still manage to teach half of the lessons that had been booked. So the 'Challenge' began helped by a very friendly lady who took me under her wing and pointed me in the right direction..and eventually the destination of Inverness was reached! Even though the Friday's teaching is a long day, I do enjoy teaching up at Coillemore. The riders are really keen, they have lovely horses and I get very well looked after..perhaps even spoilt with home-made soup and sandwiches. Home late Friday night and prepared for Rafa's competition the next day..

Rafa was a bit ring rusty as he has not been out for a few months. He finds the tests in the small arena quite difficult, I often find he shrinks back at me when faced by a 20x40m arena test. Considering how wobbly we were I was very pleased with two wins and marks of 70.2% and 72.6%. He has now qualified for the Novice Open Winter Semi-final in addition to the Novice Freestyle.

Hoping the weather starts to settle and we get some frost, I hate muddy horses and wet fields.

The event season is over but Sam Penn is still picking up prizes!

Organic Horse Elite Squad member, Sam Penn, has once again been awarded an impressive collection of prizes at the annual South East Eventers League ball. Over the 2009 season Sam has had many successes riding her string of talented horses, and partnered with 15 year old ex racehorse, 707, managed to scoop first place in the Net-Tex Intermediate Rankings, first place in the Racehorse Sanctuary Racehorse to Event Horse award and in the overall South East Eventers League rankings she came joint third with Francis Whittington – closely behind the winner, Tina Cook with Miners Frolic.

As well as rugs, rosettes and prize money, Sam collected a selection of prizes from sponsors Net-Tex and the Racehorse Sanctuary. “I am over the moon to have won three such important awards,” says Sam. “707 has only been with me for one season but our partnership is exceptional. I would like to thank all my sponsors and owners for their loyal support over the season and am looking forward to what I hope will be a successful 2010.”

Jo Barry's blog: Lessons with Carl Hester and burning the candle at both ends!

Freddie and I had a great time away training with Carl last week. We had a smooth journey down with it taking just under 8 hours. Freddie settled much quicker this time as it was his third visit and I found him stretched out sleeping when I went to give him his breakfast on Monday morning. We had four lessons while we were down, concentrating mainly on teaching the flying changes, acceptance in the transitions between extension and collection and the startings of piaffe. Carl had me riding with a lot more power and determination.

I left realising that I have to take a risk and allow mistakes to happen so that we can learn and improve. For someone like me that is really hard as I hate not getting it perfect! I have been given lots of exercises to use at home for the changes and Carl has given me the confidence to have a go and practice. Highlights were when we managed a correct flying change on the long side from true to counter canter, doing our first steps of piaffe assisted by Carl from the ground and then seeing Carl ride Freddie on the last day. It was the first time Carl has sat on him and Freddie got 'the nod' from the master!

While I was down I was really pleased to still be allowed to ride some of Carl's horses. I also helped out on the yard and was driver for one of Carl's working pupils when she had a competition at Burrows Court. I also met up with old friends and had some lovely evenings over a bottle or two of wine. The only yard trauma while I was down was when Snowie, Carl's parrot escaped up into the trees! She spent 24hrs 'in the wild' and eventually was coaxed down by 'daddy' -returning to her cage looking very sheepish. I think Carl may have been the only one glad of her return... she is known to be the pitbull of Carl's menagerie!

The journey home was not quite so smooth. In rush hour traffic on the M6 I had a blow-out. Luckily it was sorted on the motorway and Freddie and I continued on our way, it just meant it took 10.5hrs to get home. Freddie was very happy to get back to his own bed and have a few days off. However, I think Rafa would have been happier if I had stayed away -I have come back with 'Carl-ified' riding and he has had his socks pulled right up!! This week is pretty hectic... Freddie has the physio on Monday, farrier on Tuesday. I head down to Coventry on Tuesday night to receive the Pat Smallwood award at the BHS Convention on Wednesday and come home that night... I then go up to Inverness (3 hours by train) to teach on Thursday evening and all day Friday before taking Rafa to a competition at the weekend..and also somehow going to the British Eventing Scottish Ball on the Saturday night!! Possibly burning the candle at both ends..??!

Meet Organic Horse Start Squad member Katherine Begley

Katherine Begley has on horse currently registered with British Eventing, a 16.3hh chestnut Gelding called Bourne Belvedere. The pair are currently competing at novice and CCI* level and in the 2009 season were placed 4th at Kelsall JRN , 1st at Goring Heath JON, 11th at Chatsworth Intermediate Novice and were selected to represent Wales & Borders at the JRN Championships at Weston Park, where they were clear inside the time XC. Katherine has also competed at the Pony Club Championships in 2007 and 2008. Her aims with Belvedere for 2010 are to compete in a CCI* abroad and to progress up to intermediate level in the spring with the hope of doing a CIC** at the end of the year. She also rides two other horses, Irish Rose and Cloons Master Plan, and events them at unaffiliated events, where they have been very successful. Rosie was placed at all of her events in 2009. Unfortunately they do not have the funds to affiliate all three, but have done a few events with them on day tickets with BE.

Why horses? “I have been around them all my life (my mother used to event) so it was a natural progression. Also because I love creating that bond with a horse, and that amazing feeling when it all comes together.’’
Biggest horsey bug bear? "People who are rude and impatient with event organisers at the end of a very long day."
Worst horsey habit? "De-scabbing my horses, I want them to be perfect. Scabs and flaky skin isn’t allowed!!!’’
If not horses what? "As a hobby I love mountaineering, mountain biking and skiing. But as a career, I have no idea!’’
What could you not live without? "My mum, who drives me all over the country to my events, and always supports me now matter how angry and upset I get’’

If you want to find out more visit www.katherinebegley.com

Meet Organic Horse Start Squad member Kat Poundsbery

Kat Poundsbery rides Pella, a 10 year old German warmblood Darco/Pilot lines, and is currently competing at Elementary/Medium level Dressage! She has so far competed on the Senior inter regional squad in 2008 and qualified for the Pet-plan Area Festivals in 08 and 09 at novice and elementary.

This year things have been put on hold slightly as Kat has started her own yard but has still been out and done some riding club shows including Sevenoaks Riding Club - won the novice with 71.5% and qualified for their champs, Hadlow Riding Club - won the elementary with 66.2% and the novice with 65% and qualified for their champs. Short term she is hoping to qualify for the regional championships at Novice and Elementary. Long term she wants to crack on with the medium work and start some work on Pella's changes ready to go up a level next year!

Why horses? "Have been riding since I was little but didnt get into dressage until 5 years ago, I love horses they are beautiful and powerful creatures, they will teach you patience and respect and in return give you a partnership for life!! I love Dressage as its all about athletics, suppleness, balance and bio-mechanics!!"
Biggest horsey bug bear "Riders that blame the horse when something goes wrong! Its very rarely the horses fault!"
Worst Horsey habit "Forgetting to do kick bolts on my mares door!! Then she opens it and does a runner!!!"
If not horses, what? "I think it would still be horsey involved!! Maybe with a feed company or something but I cant really imagine not doing horses!!!"
What could you not live without? "Oats!!!! My horses require alot of energy and good weight and oats tick all the boxes for me!!"

Meet Elite Squad member Sam Penn

Sam Penn rides a string of horses from her base, Golden Cross Equestrian Centre in West Sussex...
Tickeridge,(Tigga) 4yo bay geld, 16.2, by Royal Brooke Cruise (IDSH), winner Lycetts BE 4yo championships '09.
Captain Christy, (Smurf) 18yo bay geld, 16.3, by Cavalier Royale (Holsteiner), Former Team GB ride for Tina Cooke, had operation for Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) in '09, aiming to be back out Advanced and 3* level '10.
707, (Brooke) 15yo bay geld, 16.2, by Skyliner (TB). Ex racehorse, won SEEL Intermediate and Retraining of Racehorses leagues in '09, plus 3rd in Overall Leading Horse/Rider league. Moving up to Advanced and hopefully 3* in '10.
Coco de Cara, (Coconut) 8yo grey geld, 16.2, by Terimon (TB). Winner Aldon Open Pre-Nov 3DE '09, qualified BD National Championships (Restricted Elementary) '08/'09.
My Friend Freddie, (Fred) 14yo black geld, 17.0, by Carmel Head (TB). Consistantly placed IN, moving up to Intermediate '10.
Coevers Diamond Clover, (Flynn) 5yo bay geld, 15.2, by Coevers Diamond Boy (IDSH). Consistently placed pre-nov, placed in 1st novice, qualified Lycetts BE 5yo champs '09.
Dyke Road, (Bobby), 4yo bay geld, 15.2, by Cult Hero (TB), recently broken, an exciting prospect for 5yo qualifiers next year.
Pusiden, (Sid), 3yo bay geld, 15.3, by Puissance (ISH), recently broken, another one to watch in 2010.

Greatest Achievements so far...
2009. 1st Lycetts BE 4yo Championship -Tickeridge. 1st SEEL Intermediate and ROR leagues. 3rd Leading Horse&Rider league -707. Winner ROR award BD National Dressage Champs -Coco de Cara
2008. Ist SEEL Pre Nov league-Coco de Cara. Winner ROR award BD National Dressage Champs- Coco de Cara.
2007. 1st PAVO BE 5yo Championship- Pokeys Bally Milo. 9th BE Festival Novice Championships-On A Par. 8th Houghton Hall 1*- On A Par.
Sam is aiming in 2010 to compete at 3* with the older horses and get all her youngsters back to their respective age championships. Longer term she wants to be part of Team GB.

Why horses? "All I ever wanted to do was ride, originally I wanted to showjump but never quite made it, moved into eventing aged 22 and got a break working at Golden Cross."
Horsey bug bear "Poor turnout, it costs nothing to be neat, clean, correct (NO PINK/GLITTER) and tidy."
My worst horsey habit "Hmm, awaiting reply from the boss on that one!"
If not horses, what? "Dont really know much about anything else, but would be something sporting/a bit mad, always fancied being a stunt artist for tv or would have seriously considered joining the army."
What could you not live without? "Haribo Tangfastics and Cadbury's Creme Eggs. Horsey-wise white-n-brite shampoo and Kym and Karla our grooms."
If you want to find out more about Sam visit: www.sampenn.co.uk

Check out the latest gossip from sponsored rider and Elite Squad member Jo Barry

This time next week I will be midway through my mini training break at Carl Hester's. I travel down on Sunday and then spend four days there having lessons. I have been introducing Freddie to flying changes and some half-steps so that it is not such a big shock to him when Carl asks us to try some next week. I am going to smuggle a heater and extension cable into the lorry so that I can keep warm at night as I am not looking forward to sleeping in my lorry in November!! I'm hoping to meet up with friends on a couple of the nights for pub dinners so it will not all be work related!

Freddie luckily hardly grows a coat but he has had his first and hopefully only clip of the year in preparation for going down to see Carl. He is now wrapped up snug, but the weather has been so mild that it is a juggle between rugs each night as to what will make him most comfortable.

Rafa (Rameau), my 5yo gelding is just back into work after a couple of months off. He has come back feeling bright and quite excited to be back doing something. I really don't think they enjoy having an extended period of time off..a week is a novelty but longer and they get bored and fed-up. If things go well I hope we may make the last Novice Winter qualifier at the end of November. He has already qualified for the Novice Freestyle and it would be good to get the Novice Open class too.

With Bonfire night fast approaching our neighbours have announced that they are having a bonfire and will set off a few 'small' fireworks..time to shut the boys outside windows and turn the radio up! Forest Farmacy have sent me some 'Soothing Animal Solution' to help calm their nerves and make it less scary for them..maybe I should have a few drops myself!?

Finally my website has gone 'live' and that should help with business.. www.jobarryequestrian.co.uk

Catch up with squad members Kayleigh Grant and Tex

The last two months have been really quiet for us, as I had a back operation at the end of September. So I made the decision to take T's shoes off and give him a little holiday.

We have had quite a full on year - I brought Texan in June 08 where he had competed up to elemantary level, dressage, but he proved to have a scopey, bold jump. So this year he has learnt a new trade and we have throughly enjoyed our selves doing loads of shows and three away shows, Towerlands, Arena UK and Wales and The West, he has taken it all in his stride!

One downside to Texan is he has particularly bad feet, he has really bad cracks and the horn growth is literally non-existant, so I have got him on Hoof Power whilst he is on his hols to give his feet the best chance possible! I have the farrier coming up at the end of the week to give him a trim and to check overall how he is doing, so far so good as I have seen a significant improvement in quality of hoof!

I'm back to the hospital on the 12th to have a spine check, hopefully it all goes well and I'll have the all clear to get back on board! My back feels superb so I'm feeling really positive! Then we can start getting fit to hopefully be ready for the New Year show at the Hand Equestrian!

What has squad member Georgina Rose been up to this month?

October has been a busy month for us with the last of the hunter trials, and the horses beginning to dig out their winter woolies. We started this month with a hunter trial at Stockland Lovell, a 2'6 senior class. We put in a good clear with a relatively fast time, although I felt that she wasnt as quick as last time out at Straitgate Farm, where we finished 2nd. It was good enough for 8th though, which I was pleased with considering the size of the class.

We took time out at the end of the month to enjoy a 12 mile fun ride at Ashill in Devon. It included a ride up the Kittow racing gallops which was great fun, a a nic way to round off what will probably be the best of the weather!

This month has also been one of progress, especially for my 3yo NF gelding, Al. He was broken mid September, and is now trotting confidently and beginning canter work. He is very willing and calm, but can only go a few strides before the baby wobbles set in and he falls back in to trot. He is trying hard and giving his best, and I have every confidence that it won't be long before he gets the hang of it! He also tackled his first trotting pole, which he did brilliantly. I am really pleased with him, he is showing such promise and is particaurly special as he is the first pony that I have broken.

Our other horse Merlin, has started to get grumpy now that the grass is becoming less appetising and he is having to wait for us to come down and give him hay and feed too. With the colder weather setting in, he is starting to get a little stiff and awkward when you first get on, so I am hoping that Organic Horse's Joint Power will relieve him a little, as well as their Respiratory Power to help ease irritation from hay dust. He is looking well for this time of year though, and I hope that this is a sign of things to come as he can be quite a poor doer. My mum has started getting back into riding again this month, so Merlin is playing the role of riding school horse for the time being which he throughly enjoys as it means going slowly, which is what he does best!

I am currently studying for my BHS Stage 1 exam, and the end of the month brought me just over half way through the course, which really hit home how close my exam is in December, but I feel quietly confident, so fingers crossed! I have also booked myself in for the Ride and Road Safety Test course which starts soon, so plenty to be getting on with.

Organic Horse Elite Squad member: Constantin van Rijckevorsel

Constantin van Rijckevorsel events several horses...

Our Vintage a 13 year old, 16hh, Australian TB competing at Advanced level.
Dry Old Party a 10 year old, 16.1hh, English TB by Undesperado at Intermediate level.
Costela an 8 year old, 17.1hh, Swedish warmblood by Lavirco at Intermediate level.
Favorit Z a 4 year old 16.2hh, KWPN by Favoritas xx who is just starting.
First Dance a 4 year old mare, 16.1hh, Irish sport horse by Big Sink Hope who is also just starting.

Constantin has a long list of achievements so far:
Silver medallist at the Young Rider European championships in 95
8th at the Atlanta Olympics in 96
Competed at the European championships in Burghley in 97
Competed at the World Equestrian games in Rome 98
Team bronze at the European championships in Luhmuhlen in 99
Competed at the Sydney Olympics in 2000
Competed at the European championships in Pau in 2001
Team bronze at the European championships in Punchestown in 2003
10th at the Athens Olympics in 2004
Competed at the European championships in Blenheim in 2005
Team 4th at the European championships in Rome in 2007
Team bronze at the European championships in Fontainebleau in 2009
Plus numerous placing at CCI/CIC 1 2 3and 4 star events from 95 to 2009

Constantin is aiming to perform well at every level and make it to the championship at the end of each season.
Why horses? "I always had horses at home so never really wondered why. My parents were passionate about it, supported me through the hard times and now I get on with it..."
Biggest horsey bug bear? "My biggest horsey bugbear would be the way some horsey people only speak about horses and always know better!"
Worst horsey habit? "My worst horsey habit is probably to go and muck out at ten o’clock at night whatever happens."
If not horses what? "I studied business and economics at university, so I would probably be depressed behind a desk somewhere in town."
What could you not live without? "I could not live without my wife and baby daughter, it gives a whole new dimension to life!"

Organic Horse Elite Squad: Therese van Rijckevorsel

Therese van Rijckevorsel events several horses:
Canons Park (Parky) 16.1hh, Thoroughbred, born in 1993. Parky is an ex race horse with lots of experience. He was bought as a 6 year old novice horse, has competed in many 3* competitions and Burghley 4*, 11th at Bramham YR CCI***. Parky has been off competing due to injury but is now back and is aimed for 3* level 2010. Lovely sweet horse but can be very sharp.
Butterfly Boy (Bobo) 16.2hh, born in 2001 (Muskaat – Opium de Laubry) and has a thoroughbred mother who show jumped 1.40m. The sire is a grand prix show jumper with Voltaire in his blood lines. Bobo came to Therese as a 3 year old and is extremely talented in all phases and is a real star for the future. He competed at intermediate level 2009 and is ready to go CCI**. Great temperament with a will do attitude.
Buzzy Bee (Bee) 16.1hh born in 2001 (Joy Van 't Langwater - Canadian River) and owned by Eric van Rijckevorsel. Bee is a Belgian Warmblood with very good paces and a good jump. Her grand mother was a medium weight champion at Dublin Horse Show and her sire is by Capitol. She did her first CCI* in Hartpury 2009. She is a lovely horse and is aimed for a CCI** later next year. Bee is a lovely mare with great temperament a real quality horse.
Fun Fair (Felix) 16.1hh by Roven, born in 2005 and bred by Tintin’s parents in Belgium, very talented young horse with good paces and a scopey jump, 75% thoroughbred and 25% connemara. Felix has a fantastic temperament and learns new things easily. Will be aimed at Burghley Young Event Horse 2010.
Don't Look Back (Donal) 16.1hh born in 2006, Irish horse by Ghareeb. Has been broken this season and has a lovely temperament and finds everything very easy. He is a very good jumper with a positive attitude. Donal will also be aimed at Burghley Young Event Horse 2010.

Therese has been longlisted for several years for the Swedish Team and has also competed at Burghley CCI**** in 2004, came 11th at Bramham YR CCI***, 5th and 10th at Chatsworth Advanced and qualified for British Open YR Championships in Waregem 2001. Her aim for 2010 is to come back to 3* level after having a daughter this year and new horses coming up. Long term she is aiming for the 2011 Europeans and 2012 Olympics in London.

Why horses? "My mother used to event in Sweden so she introduced me to horses and later on eventing. What I love about horses is that you never stop learning and it is very rewarding to work with them."
Biggest horsey bug bear? "Riders who blame their horses."
Worst horsey habit? "My little daughter sleeps by the arena while I school my horses."
If not horses what? "When I was 15 I was accepted at a snow board college but ended up choosing a horsey career instead. If I wouldn't have done horses as a career I would probably have been a designer."
What could you not live without? "My sleep, I really need 8 hours sleep!"

Organic Horse Start Squad member: Katherine Soley

Katherine Soley has three horses and competes in affiliated dressage. Challenger II (Ralph) is a 17.2hh Hanoverian X who is competing at Advanced Medium, Penrith Ryhme (Bobbie) is a 16.2hh Thoroughbred at Medium level and Bullaford Fool’s Gold (Harry) is an 18.2hh Dutch Warmblood also competing at Medium level.

All of Katherine's horses have been given to her, as they have been deemed dangerous/naughty/un- rideable. Bob was deemed by “professionals” as extremely dangerous and she was told she would never be able to ride him. "My greatest achievement so far has been when I got on Bob with no saddle and only a rope head collar and could half pass, piaffe, and passage in a relaxed manner – he is well known for rearing and throwing himself over backwards- and still will do, with an arrogant rider!" Katherine aims to continue her progress with the horses training, all of the horses advancing through the tests and would like to see the two Warmbloods eventually go on to Prix St Georges and beyond.

Why horses? "At 3.30 in the morning, when I’m called out to a suspected colic I ask the same question myself! Thankfully it doesn’t happen often. Horses have taught me so much, most importantly to listen and watch, and take the time it takes so that it doesn’t take any more time. It doesn’t pay to rush!"
Biggest horsey bug bear? "Those riders who won’t listen to what their horse is trying to tell them."
Worst horsey habit? "Spending too much time drinking tea and chatting to friends, only to find that I am then running late and have to muck out 10 stables in 20 minutes."
If not horses what? "Sailing a yacht with my partner Jon. We are taking part in the 2010 round the Island Yacht Race in June next year and can often be found (when I’m not mucking out) floating about on the Solent or South Coast – occasionally on the river Avon, in Chippenham!!"
What could you not live without? "Chocolate. Jon, my beloved partner/groom/stable hand/exercise rider/cook and PA. Chocolate. My mother, without her help I wouldn’t be able to keep the horses at all. Red wine, and sausage and Chips… oh and did I mention the chocolate."